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June 24, 2009 Huddle Platform Release

It's been a big day for the Huddler platform.  We pushed some major architectural changes for our sites and layered in some additional functionality. 

Semi-Variable Width Site-Wide
Until today, the Huddler platform has displayed all content with a fixed width layout.  We have now added 256 pixels of variable width.  All pages in the forums, as well as Wikis and product pages, will now be able to expand wider than before.  As you re-size your browser, the width of the main content will either get bigger or smaller up to a certain point. 

In-Line Replies For Forum Threads
Previously in the forums, when you clicked the "Reply" button, a popover opened with the full reply editor.  Now, the What You See Is What You Get editor is stuck at the bottom of the thread, in-line with the previous forum posts.  The "Advanced Reply" or full page editor is available as well.


Updated Home Page And Featured Content Modules
The home page is still in flux with more updates coming; however some modifications have been made to the layout to put increased emphasis on active discussion forums and other featured content.  The primary addition is a new module for featured news and discussions.  This content is hand picked by community administrators. 

Below this module, you'll find a list of the most active discussions from the forums, a module for the most highly ranked products in the community, and a hand picked featured Wiki article.  Logged in users will also see their subscriptions above the featured content module.

New Thread Creation From Thread View 
A new feature we added is the ability to start a brand new thread from thread view.  For example, let's say you're in a thread about buying and sizing ski poles; however all of the posts are about sizing poles for adults and your question is about sizing ski poles for your 8 year old son!  Now, instead of having to navigate back to the main forum, you can create a new thread without clicking away from the one you're reading.


Signature Functionality
Signatures are now supported with text, links, bolding, and italics.  Functionality to include images in signatures is still in development.

Each community determines its own signature policy.  For example, the Green Home Huddle permits all registered users to use their forum signature with links.  EpicSki members have access to text only, while Supporters have increased functionality with access to live links.

Site Specific

• The Green Home Huddle was completely reskinned.  Instead of having a green and black theme, the skin is much lighter with a blue and green skin.
• EpicSki's header now has a button directly to the details on becoming an EpicSki supporter.
  

Categories: Platform Release Notes

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